Auditions for Private Instruction

Private instruction is available to music majors and minors for the following instruments:

Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion,
Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Jazz Bass, Jazz Piano

Students must pass an audition to be accepted into the private instruction program at MSU Denver.  The audition for private instruction consists of three components: basic skills, such as playing scales; performing prepared repertoire; and sight-reading. See the Audition Requirements for Private Instruction (Acrobat Icon 56 KB)


Upcoming Audition Dates:

  • Saturday, January 5, 2013

  • Saturday, April 6, 2013

  • Saturday, August 3, 2013

 

Qualifications for Private Instruction:

  • Students must demonstrate sufficient prior musical experience by passing an audition in their instrument area.
  • Students must be eligible to take Music Theory I (or higher) by either taking the Music Theory Placement Exam (offered on Audition Day), or by having completed the Fundamentals of Music Theory course (MUS 1010) with a grade of C or higher.
  • Students studying privately must also register for their instrument’s required major ensemble (MUS 381) and Recital Attendance (MUS 0200).

AUDITION APPOINTMENT:

  • Auditions are held in January, April and August, and are valid for one calendar year (see audition dates above).
  • Students must meet with an Intake Advisor in the Music Department prior to scheduling an audition. Contact the Music office for intake advising at 303-556-3180.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Appropriate attire at the audition is expected.
  • Auditions are approximately 12-15 minutes in length.
  • Audition results will be emailed within the week following the audition.
  • Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled audition time.
  • A warm-up area will be available (percussion and drum set excluded); check-in with Music staff prior to the audition time.

TRANSFER STUDENTS:

  • Transfer students who have previously taken private lessons for college credit and who wish to audition into a higher level of lessons than Level I may present a list of repertoire studied at the college level to the audition panel.

*NOTE: Entrance into Music Theory I and Music Theory Lab I (or higher) are required in order to enroll in private instruction. Please assess your theory readiness before scheduling an audition.

 

 

Private Instruction Readiness Self-Assessment Questionnaire:

Check all that apply in both LIST 1 and LIST 2:

LIST 1:
  I have studied with a private instructor in my primary instrument area
  I have taken class instruction I and/or II at MSU Denver in my instrument area
  I have at least one piece of music in the classical/art music repertoire that I am ready to perform for an audition
  I can play major scales and/or minor scales
  I can sight-read music
  I have performed several times as a soloist

LIST 2:
  I have never had private lessons in my primary instrument area
  I have never had class instruction or I had class instruction outside of MSU Denver
  I do not play classical/art music

  • If you checked at least four items on LIST 1 and one or fewer items on LIST 2, you are eligible to register for private instruction in your instrument area and should sign up for an audition.
  • If you checked three or fewer of the items on LIST 1 and some items on LIST 2, you would benefit from further assessment by one of our studio instructors prior to auditioning, but may register for private instruction and sign up for an audition in your instrument area.
  • If you did not check any items on LIST 1 and checked one or more items on LIST 2, you should register for class instruction at MSU Denver and/or arrange for outside private instruction to prepare for an audition in a future semester.

If you believe you are not prepared to audition for private instruction, we encourage you to consult the coordinator of private instruction for your area in order to guide your own private study before auditioning.

Voice: Dr. Bradley Thompson (bthomp40@msudenver.edu)
Strings: Dr. Brandon Matthews (bmatthe8@msudenver.edu)
Brass/Percussion: Dr. Michael Hengst (mhengst@msudenver.edu)
Woodwinds: Greg Dufford (dufford@msudenver.edu)
Piano: Dr. Tamara Goldstein (goldstet@msudenver.edu)
Guitar: Alex Komodore (komodore@msudenver.edu)
Composition: Dr. Fred Hess (hess@msudenver.edu)
Jazz: Ron Miles (milesr@msudenver.edu)

If you are uncertain whether you qualify for private instruction, we encourage you to perform an audition in order to ascertain your readiness.

 

Ensemble Auditions

Several ensembles require a successful audition for participation, including Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Choral and Jazz Ensembles. Ensemble auditions are held during the first week of classes each semester. For most ensembles, these auditions are discussed in the first meeting of the ensemble and then held at a subsequent class meeting. For jazz combos, sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board outside the music office (Arts 287) for auditions during the first week of class; combos will be formed after auditions.

For additional audition information, contact the following ensemble directors/coordinators:

Choral: MB Krueger (kruegema@msudenver.edu)
Symphony Orchestra: Dr. Brandon Matthews (bmatthe8@msudenver.edu)
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic or Concert Band: Dr. David Kish (dkish@msudenver.edu)
Jazz Ensemble/Combos: Ron Miles (milesr@msudenver.edu)
Accompanying for Pianists: Dr. Tamara Goldstein (goldstet@msudenver.edu)
Guitar Ensemble: Alex Komodore (komodore@msudenver.edu)